Huntley, who was asked to save Ravens season after Jackson missed his third consecutive game, did exactly that.
Huntley’s third stint with Ravens began late August, when the team signed him to their practice squad following his release from the Browns. He completed 77.3 per cent of his passes and threw one touchdown pass.
He had a 116.9 rating as a quarterback, which is a career high in 15 starts. On eight carries, he also gained 53 yards.
Press Box Bo Smolka says It’s not hyperbole when I say Tyler Huntley has saved the season. Huntley’s command of a Bears defense missing two cornerbacks was evident in the early stages. Early in the second half, the Ravens, who were already down 6-0, faced a first-and-24 at the Bears 45-yard line after committing a penalty. Huntley connected with Tylan Wallace in one play and Rashod Bateman in the next. Huntley’s 7-yard throw to Zay Flower on third-and-7 moved the chains to keep the drive going. Huntley then ran 2 yards on third and 2, and two plays after that, Derrick Henry scored the Ravens’ first touchdown.
Jamison Hensley, ESPN: “How many games did this win save for the Ravens?” The Ravens won not only their first match in 42 days but also their first without quarterback Lamar Jackson. Baltimore would have been 1-6 if they had lost, and the 1970 Bengals are the only team to reach the playoffs after a losing start in NFL history. Tyler Huntley filled in for Jackson and gave the Ravens a boost with 239 yards total and a touchdown. This is the most points the Ravens scored without Jackson, since they scored 30 against the Packers in 2004.”
NFL Eric Edholm says The Ravens were in a funk, while the Bears had won four consecutive games. Huntley, however, gave Baltimore a stable force at the center position, leading them to six scoring drives within eight possessions. He also hurt the Bears’ legs and arms. Huntley’s performance was not a Jackson level display, but he threw the ball on time and accurately all game. This was helped by strong pass protection, and a productive running game.
Kyle Goon, The Baltimore Banner: The Ravens needed a steady, decent performance since Jackson was injured in Week 4.